Cranbourne trainer John Moloney is a little surprised at the depth of opposition Charming Di will encounter when she steps out at Sandown.

Charming Di is the only multiple winner in the Ladbrokes Mates Mode Handicap (1200m) on Wednesday and as such the highest handicapped rated runner in the race.

Being a filly in the Benchmark 64 grade race, Charming Di gets a 2kg allowance against her fellow three-year-olds and with a further claim of 1.5kg for apprentice Matthew Cartwright, she will carry 57.5kg.

It will be the highest weight she has carried in her five career starts to date that has netted a win at Moe as a two-year-old and a first-up victory at Pakenham no November 10.

“She’s doing well, and she certainly shaped up well in that first-up run against older horses so we’re pretty hopeful that she can continue with that type of form,” Moloney said.

“It was a good win and I’m happy to try it out, but it looks a good race all the same.”

Teo Nugent had ridden Charming Di in her two victories, but he has stuck with debut Bendigo winner Cause For Concern, also trained at Cranbourne by Shea Eden.

Moloney had hoped to stick with the winning formula.

“I reckon Teo had already picked that one,” Moloney said.

“It was impressive winning at Bendigo and when I went to put him on my filly, I saw he had taken the ride on that one.”

Despite Charming Di’s wins being at 1000m and 1117m, Moloney does not see Wednesday’s 1200m being a concern.

The filly finished fifth over 1420m at Flemington in June.

TAB has Charming Di rated a $12 chance in early markets with last start Geelong maiden winner Midtown Boss, prepared by Mark and Levi Kavanagh, the $3.60 favourite.